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Animals in war: Sharing the history of our fallen furry veterans

Veterans Week is here- time to pay tribute to those who served our country in the past and to celebrate those fighting for our rights and freedom right now. In the United States Nov. 11 is called Veterans Day and here in Canada it is Remembrance Day but regardless of the title North Americans are showing loving patriotism for their country.

When remembering the men and women who served in the military let’s not forget the four legged creatures that risked their lives for us as well. In Ottawa, Ontario there is a national memorial called The Animals in War Dedication that pays homage to those animals. It’s not just dogs- elephants, cats, pigeons and horses left their paw and hoof-prints on the front lines. Alongside the amazingly humble soldiers that fought for us these creatures stood proud for our country.

One of the most important things we must do during Veterans Week is making sure the memories and history is passed down to the younger generation. These are the events and stories that shape our national community and to attract the interest of the younger generation can sometimes be difficult but it is so important. We must share to remember or lest we forget.

Veterans Affairs Canada has made passing down the stories of animals that served in combat to the youth easier with Tales of Animals in War- a free PDF document on their website. It teaches the history of war from Korea to the Second World War to Afghanistan as well as highlights real-life stories of pets in combat. It is not just an interesting read but also a great teaching aid and a fun story for parents to share during Veterans Week.

Support the military by handing down their history in a fun way. It is one of the best gifts that you can give. Happy Remembrance Day and Veterans Day! A special thank you to all of the soldiers- human and otherwise- who put our country before their own lives.


Click here to read Tales of Animals in War. Click here to see photos of soldier dogs. Find out more about the Service Dogs Canada, Canadian Armed Forces and the U.S. Army. Comment below and let us at Paws For Reaction know what you are doing to honor the military this Veterans Week! 

Check out our new look!

After months of hard work and a 48 hour re-design Paws For Reaction is so excited to unveil our new look that showcases our mascot Keira front and center! Check out our homepage www.pawsforreaction.com Hope you like it!!

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The neighborhood is getting spookier as Halloween crawls closer and closer. Horrific decorations adorn festive homes while they search for the best costume continues. Little do pet parents know the candy and décor of Halloween could end up being dangerous for household pets.

Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI) released its Top Halloween PetDangers and Safety Tips on Oct. 15 to help educate pet parents about how this scary holiday could negatively affect their pet.  VPI reports that in the United States alone consumers spend $7 billion on Halloween candy, decorations, and costumes. Unfortunately having all of these seemingly benign holiday objects in the home means that consumers could be exposing their pets to toxic or hazardous things.

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Give thanks: 5 reasons why people with pets live happier, longer lives


Canadian’s will gather round the dinner table Oct. 13 to celebrate Thanksgiving with family- and in many homes in North America the family members include pets. According to a 2013 survey by Ipsos- a leading market research company in Canada- 57% of Canadian's own a pet. In the United States 67% of households have a pet to call their own. Pet parents giving thanks to their pets may not know the amazing gifts that their pets are giving them every day.

Countless studies have been conducted to determine a pets influence on its owner's overall health. Research has shown that pets can do all sorts of things to improve their owner’s health and even help people live longer. Some pets assist people with disabilities while others soothes people suffering from depression. Either way there is plenty to give thanks to when it comes to pet.

Check out these 5 reasons to give thanks for the family pets. Find out how just owning a pet can benefit the entire family and keep them happy and healthy for the holidays and all their other days.

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Pet food recall: October 2014

Simply Nourish Biscotti with Beef & Sweet Potatoes Dog Treats

PRESS RELEASE - Dear Valued PetSmart® Customer,

Loving Pets Corporation has announced a voluntary recall of the following expiration date of Simply Nourish Biscotti with Beef & Sweet Potatoes Dog Treats due to the potential of mould growth. No other Simply Nourish or Loving Pets treats are affected

Keira was excited when we told her they were going to one of Ontario's largest nature and wildlife preserve Algonquin Provincial Park Achray...

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Fall is here: Festive dogs playing in the autumn leaves


Remember when you used to play in the leaves? Sometimes our pets love something just as much as we do! These dogs are outside enjoying the fall weather and colorful leaves that coat the ground.

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7 homemade dog biscuit recipes using pumpkin

When shopping for pumpkins to carve into Jack-o-lanterns this Halloween you may be unaware of the incredible health benefits that the bright orange gourd has for your pet. Powdered pumpkin seed is often used to support urinary health in dogs. It is especially useful if the dog has an upset stomach, diarrhea or constipation. Pumpkin is rich in fiber and its natural oils ease digestive stress and discomfort. 

Not only will pumpkin keep your dog regular but it is a healthy snack that is extremely low in calories. Since pumpkins are so accessible in October you may want to pick up an extra one for your pooch. Homemade dog treats using pumpkin in the ingredients provides the dog with a safe and healthy treat. When feeding pumpkin from a can make sure to always use canned pumpkin and not canned pumpkin pie filling.

Listed below are 7 easy and delicious dog treat recipes using this festive fall food. It is important to consult your veterinarian if you have any questions about feeding pumpkin.


Pumpkin Dog Biscuits

• 2   eggs
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2  tablespoons dry milk
• 2 1/2 cups flour (wheat flour is probably better)
• water

Healthy Pumpkin Balls

• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 4 tbsp molasses
• 4 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 cups whole wheat flour
• ¼ tsp baking soda
• ¼ tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

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Peanut Butter and Pumpkin Dog Treats

• 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Pup-kin Biscuits

• 2   eggs
• 1/2  cup  canned pure pumpkin puree
• 2  tablespoons  dry milk powder
• 2 1/2  cups  white or whole wheat flour

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Pumpkin Pie Dog Biscuits


Pumpkin Apple Dog Treats


Grain-Free Pumpkin Dog Treats

• 2 1/2 cups garbanzo flour
• 2 1/2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree